CIBC provides Alpine Canada with another $1 million

The largest amateur sports sponsorship deal in Canada continues for a third year, with CIBC providing another $1 million to Alpine Canada Alpin for the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Canadian Disabled Alpine Ski Team.

CIBCs $4 million sponsorship of the ACA is the largest in the history of the organization, as well as the biggest sponsorship commitment made to any of Canadas sports programs.

The third round of funding was confirmed in Toronto last week when members of ACA, the national team, disabled team and former Crazy Canuck Steve Podborski kicked off the 2004-05 season with a press conference.

ACA president and former Crazy Canuck Ken Read accepted the cheque from CIBC, pledging to continue the organizations drive to put athletes on the podium.

"Over the past year, Canadian ski racing has undertaken several bold initiatives to ensure we build a team of contenders and a program that will consistently produce champions," said Read. "We are on a national mission to put Canadians on the podium and to provide them with the financial, technical and human resources required to win against the worlds best."

CIBC is also the title sponsor of the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup, where Guay made history last year with a silver medal in the downhill, the second Canadian male to ever reach the podium on a home course. Rob Boyd was the first with his win at Whistler in 1989.

CIBC is also a title sponsor for several Nor-Am Cup events, which help younger athletes gain the experience and FIS points they need to take the next step to World Cup.